The Leatherstocking Tales: An Analysis of the Development of Cooper's Mythic Hero

Abstract

<p>The paper which follows develops from the apparent divergence in concerns and intentions between Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales and the remainder of his works. Such divergence has led Parrington and others to perceive "two Coopers" instead of one. By tracing the development of the hero within the Leatherstocking Tales, this paper attempts to reconcile these divergencies; realize the fullness of the myth; and isolate the principal concern which informs all of Cooper's work.</p>